Dear Running,
I've missed you.
It's been four long weeks since my last long run. Four weeks since I last felt my footsteps falling on the trail, moving my body forward, ever forward, hurtling through the trees. Flying down the hills, only to plod up the next one. Four weeks since I felt the wind coursing through my hair, filling up my lungs. Four weeks since I felt my heart pounding, filling my ears with the sound of life.
I remember the sun glinting off the lake, illuminating the green leaves of the forest surrounding me. I remember running through the peaceful hollow, with brown and red leaves covering the ground and birds quietly chirping in the rain's aftermath. I remember going faster and faster on our last six miles together. A negative split at the end of 32 miles!
I remember other times we spent together. When we ran 50k for the first time - the exhileration of finishing, even at a hobble. When we spent six hours in the 100 degree F temperatures - I was only able to finish the last three miles of that run because of the cold dip I took in the stream. When we finished an entire group trail run for the first time - I had so many highs and lows as we climbed and danced around Wasson Peak. When I was a one-eyed runner. And all the times we spent on the River Path - that's "our" place, you know. I can't go there without thinking of you, and how much fun we've had in conversations with Paki, or chasing the cyclists, or ducking out of rollerbladers' way.
No matter the temperature, weather or time of day, you always had time for me.
I'm coming back soon. So very soon. And when I do, we have two new goals. Do you think we can do it? Do you think we can run 50 miles in one day? 75 miles in one week? I know what your answer will be: of course. I think it will be easier this time. I'm coming off a great, long rest. You know that achy gallbladder I had? It's gone now too. That means we might be able to go farther in less pain - and with less worries about how I fuel! I'm looking forward to spending more time with you. On the trails, on the River Path. I want to run from Sabino Canyon to the top of Mt. Lemmon. I want to run up Agua Caliente hill. I want to run up Tanque Verde Ridge. I want to run!
In the meantime, I am trying to keep myself busy by watching Hardrock 100 live this weekend, and reading many many many many many many many many blogs. I'm having some difficulty, but I've decided to focus on what I want, on all the positive things. Like you. I miss you.
See you soon!
Love,
Angie
Comments
Wow. What a great post. I really don't have much more to say than that :) Okay it made me very sentimental. I guesss that was more to say..
Posted by: Jessica | July 14, 2006 02:03 PM
Nice post! Johnny's lucky it's only about running...I read his blog too - now I want to go to Ash's lakes!
Posted by: backofpack | July 14, 2006 02:15 PM
What a beautiful post!!! Only if everyone were lucky enough to experience the joys of running...I think the world would be a better place!
Posted by: Timber - The Trail Running Lab | July 14, 2006 03:33 PM
What a wonderful post! Take care and be gentle to yourself.
Posted by: Denise "Firefly" | July 14, 2006 03:35 PM
I am sure running is ready to have you back as well.
Posted by: Rob | July 14, 2006 05:01 PM
you'll be back in no time at all!
Posted by: jeanne | July 14, 2006 05:06 PM
Excellent you just got me motivated to get up early tomorrow and go for a run!
Posted by: Ryan | July 14, 2006 05:43 PM
Awww...you, guys, are a great couple! OK, a trisome...or is it foursome?
I'll give "running" a kiss from you, deal?
Posted by: olga | July 14, 2006 06:01 PM
I just want you to know Angie, that you have inspired me to ask my surgeon (first appointment on Monday) if maybe I can leave my GB in for awhile till I lose the weight as well and start to run again. Its been too long. I was on the track team in HS.
Posted by: Brenda | July 14, 2006 08:45 PM
I just posted an entry about how irritated I am with the temps being over 100F well into the night. (It's 10:30 pm). Then I read that you ran your 6 hours in the sun at a temp close to what it is right now. Pardon me but dude, you have some serious balls! ha Myabe that will shut me up for the rest of the night.
I loved this entry.
Posted by: carmen | July 14, 2006 09:34 PM
Angie, I glad to read that you are feeling so much better since the surgery. Take it easy though, please. Why work if the doc said to stay home.
This is a very cool post to running. I can only imagaine how much you miss it. It does start to define who we are after a while.
Congrats on your decision to have this done and recover well.
Posted by: darrell | July 14, 2006 10:32 PM
love the letter! wishing you a speedy recovery. is the hardrock possibly in your future plans?
enjoy the saturday!
Posted by: Nattie | July 15, 2006 09:28 AM
Checked out the links to your "wish" list- they all look beautiful!
Hang in there- can't wait to follow your training!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 15, 2006 10:26 AM
I love it! Great post that brought a smile to my face.
Before you know it you'll be running Old Pueblo!
Posted by: Sarah | July 15, 2006 01:31 PM
Loved the love letter!!
I will think of this while I take your 'running' out for a spin tomorrow morning!
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2006 03:09 PM
Fabulous post .. made me remember why I enjoy this sport so much. Very glad to hear that you are feeling so much better.
Posted by: Phil | July 15, 2006 05:19 PM
"to focus on what I want"
was my favorite part of your entire post - you definitely have focus, and a lot of passion, and you know exactly what you want
Posted by: Ginger Breadman | July 15, 2006 08:37 PM
Really well written, I enjoyed that - I feel what you feel. Don't worry you'll be back to running in no time.
Posted by: Jack | July 16, 2006 03:10 AM
Just came over from Ginger Breadman's blog.
This is a great post/letter to running. Thanks for sharing it.
Rest. Heal. And keep on writing.
Posted by: Josh | July 16, 2006 03:26 AM
Running sent me a text message, told me to tell you that it misses you too :-)
Posted by: Rafael | July 16, 2006 05:39 PM
Wow, can I hang out with your running for awhile? I think I am in love with it.
Hang in there.
Posted by: Renee | July 18, 2006 03:29 AM